The 42-year-old was confirmed on Tuesday to replace Wade Seccombe in the role after the long-time mentor chose not to reapply for the position in March.
Botha captained the Proteas in 10 one-day internationals, leading a team that included the likes of former Heat player AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Mark Boucher and Hashim Amla.
He played five Tests, 78 one-day internationals and 40 Twenty20 Internationals for South Africa between 2005 and 2012 and enjoyed a long IPL and BBL career, playing his last professional game for Hobart in 2021.
A former assistant at Adelaide Strikers, Botha' coaching experience also includes T20 stints in the UAE, United States, Pakistan and Caribbean.
"The Bulls have strong ties to success, and I have no doubt the playing group already aspire to be deeply competitive this summer," he said.
"The Heat were skilful and professional on the way to their BBL title and have an enviable base to pursue new challenges in the coming seasons."
Johan Botha celebrates a wicket during his BBL stint with the Hurricanes. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
A selection panel of former Test keeper and Queensland Cricket (QC) director Ian Healy, QC chief executive Terry Svenson and elite cricket boss Joe Dawes made the call.
Svenson said his experience as a coach, player and Australian resident in recent years had won them over, while Dawes noted his trademark competitiveness.
"Johan is a fiercely motivated and determined person and has consistently displayed those traits during his playing and coaching career," he said.
"He is very much at the cutting edge of the game internationally and will bring a fresh and dynamic outlook to our organisation and especially the Bulls and championship Brisbane Heat squads."
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